Farrell and Parrish arrived in not much better condition and some time was spent bent double, hands on knees, trying to get their breath back. Parrish had added a colourful mix of household rubbish to his general ensemble.

As soon as she could speak, Lockland peered at Mr Plimpton. ‘Oh God, I hope we haven’t given him a heart attack.’

Parrish ceased to try and brush off the remains of the last seven days chez Plimpton. ‘Given what’s going to happen to him, that might be a bit of a blessing.’

There was a sudden silence as the implications hit all three of them.

‘And this,’ said Ellis, sitting up, ‘is where we find out whether the training section has done a good job or not.’

4

4

Lockland glanced around. The family was still some distance away. They were obviously not people who had embraced long-distance running as a regular activity. Or any activity more strenuous than picking up the biscuit tin. Even the dogs had lost interest and were running in circles, noses to the ground.

‘What do we do now?’ she enquired.

‘I’m all for cuffing and stuffing,’ said Parrish, reaching for his handcuffs.

‘You would be,’ muttered Farrell.

‘What’s that supposed to mean?’

‘Exactly what you think it does. He’s not going anywhere. Give him a moment to get his breath back and clear the string off his legs.’

‘And escape.’

Lockland leaned over Henry Plimpton. ‘Do you promise not to try to escape?

Still gasping for breath, he nodded.

‘Oh, for God’s sake,’ said Parrish, disgusted.

Ellis frowned. ‘Not often I find myself in agreement with Parrish.’

Parrish leaned over the unfortunate Mr Plimpton in a rather more threatening manner. ‘Where is it? And don’t say “Where’s what?” because I’m on a promise this evening and if you mess me about, I’ll shoot you where you stand.’ He surveyed the prostrate, chest-heaving Henry Plimpton and added, more accurately, ‘Lie.’

Ellis opened his com. ‘Never mind your bloody sex life, Parrish, find his pod.’

‘Yes, yes, all right.’ He knelt beside Henry Plimpton. ‘I’ll ask one last time. Where is it?’

Levering himself up on one arm, Henry Plimpton cast a desperate glance at his family, now almost upon them, and whispered in his ear.

Parrish heaved himself to his feet, nodded to his prisoner and then said, ‘Farrell, go and check out the garden shed. If it’s not there, then try those garages round the back. Find Mr Plimpton’s device, note the coordinates and relay to Major Ellis for him to direct the clean-up crew.’

‘Nice work,’ said Ellis to North. ‘See, he can do it when he tries.’

‘He’s just worried he’s going to miss his blonde.’

‘I don’t really care what his motives are as long as he performs.’

‘Hmm,’ said North.